Stacey joins pink walk for mum
Broadcaster among thousands spreading early detection message
Stacey Morrison is on a mission to save New Zealand women.
The Hits broadcaster was among thousands in yesterday’s Pink Star Walk at Auckland’s Domain yesterday — all supporting a vision for zero deaths from breast cancer.
Morrison, a Breast Cancer Foundation NZ ambassador, walked on behalf of her mother Sue and grandmother Joyce, who both died of breast cancer. The mother-of-three was just 27 when her mother died.
“This event is all about raising some funds, definitely having some fun and getting together and celebrating why we want to make sure we save more New Zealand women,” she told the Herald on Sunday.
Earlier this month Morrison — now 45 — was urging Kiwi women, especially Maori, to enrol for free breast screening this month after having her first mammogram.
“It’s a bit scary, but I promise you it’s scarier not to do it,” she said.
Yesterday, human whoopie cushions, fairies with wigs and even dogs dressed in tutus were among the thousands of people and animals dipped in pink. More than $200,000 was raised, thanks to the 2161 people who took part in the 5km and 10km walk, despite the patches of rain.
Some walkers were celebrating survivors while others were remembering loved ones they had lost.
A Pink Star Walk will take place in Wellington next Saturday and in Christchurch the following Saturday.
BreastScreen Aotearoa, the national screening programme, offers free two-yearly mammograms to eligible women aged 45-69.
Nine women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand — that’s 3000 a year.
Funds raised from the event will go towards researching new breast cancer treatments, promoting awareness and educating to save lives as well as supporting those battling the disease.